Michael Laffey, 88, of Pleasant Valley, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Michael was born in Queens, son of the late Peter Joseph and Catherine (McNamara) Laffey. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Joan (Lima) Laffey. August 2nd would mark their 66th wedding anniversary.

He was a United States Navy veteran, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Navy Occupation Service Medal in his almost 4 years of service. He proudly participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC in November of 2015.

Michael was an avid reader of historical novels and enjoyed discussing the intricacies of naval ships. He loved recreational boating and being near the ocean. He spent many wonderful summers in Rhode Island and was looking forward to moving there to be closer to his daughter.

He was a professional welder and welding instructor, having worked in numerous places but most notably at IBM for over 30 years, before retiring.

He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Hudson Valley Gun Club, and the Elks Club.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Katherine (Laffey) Ruggiero, son-in-law Thomas William Ruggiero, and their three children, Karena (Ruggiero) Mothershed, Thomas Michael Ruggiero, and Bridget Edna Ruggiero. He was also the proud and loving great-grandfather to Ethan Michael Mothershed, son of Karena and spouse Robert James Mothershed. Michael cherished every moment with his family, particularly spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow.

Michael is predeceased by his sister Katherine "Kay" (Laffey) DeGiralamo, sister-in-law Anne (Schutta) Laffey, and brother-in-law James "Jimmy" Lima, and survived by his siblings and their spouses Angelo DeGiralamo, Peter and Chloe Laffey, Mary (Laffey) and Jimmy McInerney, and Anne (Laffey) and John McDonough.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews: Nancy and Dwayne; Peter and Angela; Jane and Leon; Ryan and Kate; Michael; Anne Marie; Joanne; John and Karen; Christine and Bob; John; Brian and Teri; Kelly; Patricia and Chris; Stephen and Jean; Kimann; and Teresa; and predeceased by nephews Joseph Lima, James "Jimmy" Lima, Cullum McDonough, and James "Jimmy" McInerney.

Michael was the proud uncle to 28 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held on Sunday July 28th, 2024 from 4-7pm at Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main St, Pleasant Valley NY.

His funeral service will be held on Monday, July 29th, at 10:00am at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1590 Main St, Pleasant Valley NY.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at Saint Peters Cemetery, 171 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie NY.

Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.